Business Travel Packing List

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Traveling for business can become more stressful than a typical day at the office, especially if you’re not prepared. Although packing properly doesn’t necessarily guarantee a drama-free business trip, being prepared can leave you more time to focus on business endeavors during the day and self-care and relaxation at night. If you can, try to fit everything you might need into one carry-on bag so you can avoid waiting at baggage claim when you’re exhausted.

Clothes

Men and women alike can pack as few clothes as possible by including dark-colored bottoms and white tops, notes Ask Men. If you’re going out of town for more than a few days, bringing a travel-sized box of laundry detergent can help you wash clothes even if you can’t easily find laundry machines; most minor stains and dirt can be washed out in a hotel sink or bathtub. You should also include at least one button-up cardigan, blazer or sweater to diversify your outfits without creating unneeded bulk in your luggage. Check the weather where you’re headed in advance of your trip, especially if the seasons might be reversed at an overseas destination. You should also include a pair of swimming trunks or a bathing suit for those early morning or late evening workouts. Wear one pair of casual shoes on the airplane and pack a single pair of dress shoes for your business meetings and formal dinners.

Toiletries

What toiletries you can pack depends pon whether you’re going to carry-on a bag or go with the checked luggage option, notes both CNN and Ask Men. As of 2010, you can’t legally carry more than 3 ounces of liquids, including toothpaste and shampoo. Most hotels offer complimentary shampoo, soap and conditioner; some offer toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream and other basic necessities. If you’re packing some personal favorites in checked baggage, make sure the bottle size reads 3 ounces or less on the label. For most people, shampoo, soap or body wash, a toothbrush and toothpaste should be sufficient for a short business trip. But if you require special facial washes or want to bring cologne, either place it in checked luggage or make sure it doesn’t weigh more than 3 ounces. Also, you must have a sealable plastic bag to place all liquids in for security screening at the airport.

Personal Comfort

Being away from home isn’t always easy even for the most seasoned transatlantic jetsetter, and bringing some items with you can make the trip easier. If you like to read, bring at least one book that you enjoy along with you. Electronics such as MP3 players, laptops and all appropriate chargers or batteries can also enhance your trip, notes Ask Men. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a laptop bag, briefcase, backpack or purse, so you can usually pack your favorite electronics, books and family photos into that second bag.

References

About the Author

Stephanie Mojica has been a journalist since 1997 and currently works as a full-time reporter at the daily newspaper "The Advocate-Messenger" in Kentucky. Her articles have also appeared in newspapers such as "The Philadelphia Inquirer" and "The Virginian-Pilot," as well as several online publications. She holds a bachelor's degree from Athabasca University.

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